Nation

PETAN Hosts 5th Sub-Sahara Africa Petroleum Exhibition, Confab, May 19

Published

5 years ago

May 7, 2021

The Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) is set to host its fifth Sub-Saharan Africa International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (SAIPEC) scheduled to hold virtually on May 19 – 21, 2021.

SAIPEC, since 2017, is the only full stream business platform for the African continent which has played a major role in connecting more than 6,000 visitors, over 300 participating companies, 20 regional Chief Operating Officers (CEOs) and delegates, over 80 industry experts and over 200 exhibitions to encourage collaboration and discussions on the challenges and successes in the oil and gas sector.

A statement by PETAN, made available to The Tide, in Port Harcourt, indicated that, “The biggest industry event for the region, SAIPEC boasts representations from key Sub-Sahara African oil and gas industry players, delivering high-level strategic discussions on game-changing solutions combined with an international exhibition”.

The organising committee of the event announced the event’s return this year as a virtual conference and exhibition all within the energy advance platform following due consideration of the safety and wellbeing of SAIPEC’s sponsors, exhibitors, delegates and visitors.

“As a pivotal platform for the whole region serving the oil and gas community, organisers of the event have developed a world class virtual platform including a special exhibition area that will provide participants with the best possible experience; to promote their products and expertise, to develop leads and generate meetings.

“The SAIPEC conference programme will benefit from the participation of industry leaders and experts from all over the region. Delegates will be able to access more than 40 hours of the highest level content, providing invaluable insight, information and real platform for interactive debate.

“It is also poised to spur regional growth in support of the objective of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to reshape economies across the region, boost output in the services, manufacturing and natural resources sectors as well as attract direct foreign investment.

“Participants at SAIPEC will learn about the latest technological advances in the region’s oil and gas sector, identify the direction, opportunities and challenges of the industry and develop business partnerships through SAIPEC’s enhanced Business Matching Service (BMS), an easy to use technology platform with personalised service to help maximise networking opportunities and engage with target markets.

“Opening remarks will be given by the Chairman and Head of the PETAN team, Mr. Nicolas Odinuwe, while a keynote address will be delivered by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, H.E. Dr. Timipre Sylva.

“SAIPEC 2021, which will also have in attendance, top industry players such as the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Simbi Wabote, and Group Managing Director (GMD), Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr. Mele Kyari, amongst others, is projected to attract more than 200 exhibiting companies and 6,000 visiting professionals from across Sub Saharan Africa, Europe, Americas and Asia, including the Secretary General of the African Petroleum Producers Organisation (APPO), Dr Omar Farouk Ibrahim; Mrs Proscovia Nabbanja of Uganda National Oil Company Limited; Managing Director, SOBETH, Republic of Benin, Dr. Issifou Yari; Head of Gas Gabon Oil, Gabonese Republic, Mr. Yann Pierre Yangari, Director General, Petroleum Directorate, Republic of Sierra Leone, Mr. Foday Mansaray; Managing Director, Ghana National Gas Company, Republic of Ghana, Dr. Ben K.D Asante; Petroleum Commissioner, Ministry of Mines and Energy, Republic of Namibia, Mrs. Maggy Shino, Vice President, DAI, USA, Mr. Zachary Kaplan.

“Others are Associate Fellow, Energy, Environment and Resource Programme, Chatham House, UK, Dr. Valèrie Marcel; Director of E&P, Gambia National Petroleum Corporation, The Gambia, Ms. Cany Jobe and Director, Exploration and Production, Petrosen, Republic of Senegal, Mr. Joseph Medou.

“Confirmed Speakers Heading International Oil Companies include the Chairman/MD Business Unit, Chevron Nigeria/Mid Africa, Mr. Richard Kennedy; Managing Director, Total Energies, Nigeria, Mr. Mike Sangster, Managing Director, Gas, Shell, Nigeria, Mr. Ed Ubong and Managing Director, SNEPCo, Nigeria, Mr. Bayo Ojulari.

“Interested participants are encouraged to click the link, https://saipec-event.com/ to learn how to participate and for more insights about the event”, the statement added.

Nation

World Health Day: Rivers Govt Urges Regular Medical Check-Ups, Healthy Living

Published

21 hours ago

April 10, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Government has called on residents to prioritize regular medical check-ups as part of efforts to promote healthier living and prevent disease.

This message was contained in a statement issued by the Rivers State Ministry of Health in Port Harcourt to commemorate the 2026 World Health Day.

The statement, signed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Prof. Justina Jumbo, urged citizens to rely on credible health information from institutions such as the World Health Organization and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, as well as other verified media outlets.

Jumbo emphasized the importance of adopting scientifically proven health practices, including regular handwashing with soap and clean water for at least 20 seconds, the use of hand sanitizers where necessary, and proper respiratory hygiene such as covering the mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing.

She further advised residents to ensure that children receive routine vaccinations, maintain a balanced diet, reduce the intake of salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats, and consume safe, clean water.

The Permanent Secretary also encouraged regular physical activity, recommending at least 30 minutes of exercise most days, while discouraging prolonged periods of inactivity. She stressed the need for adherence to prescribed treatments, avoidance of tobacco use and harmful drugs, and moderation in alcohol consumption.

In addition, Jumbo highlighted the importance of sleeping under insecticide-treated mosquito nets to prevent malaria, maintaining proper sanitation and waste disposal, and managing stress through adequate rest, relaxation, and social support.

Speaking on this year’s theme, “Together for Health: Stand with Science,” she called on individuals, families, communities, and governments to collaborate and rely on scientific knowledge to improve overall health and well-being.

“Science has helped us achieve remarkable progress in healthcare—from vaccines that protect our children to medicines that treat diseases and public health practices that prevent outbreaks,” she said.

She, however, noted that the benefits of science can only be fully realized when people trust accurate information and make informed health decisions.

“Standing with science means listening to trained health professionals, following proven health guidelines, rejecting misinformation and harmful myths, and supporting vaccination, hygiene, and preventive care,” Jumbo added.

The Permanent Secretary further disclosed that the Ministry of Health, under the leadership of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has recently employed trained health professionals into the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and the Hospital Management Board to strengthen healthcare delivery.

She urged residents to make health facilities their first point of call whenever they experience any health challenges and called for greater support for healthcare workers who continue to dedicate their lives to saving others.

By John Bibor

Nation

Rumuji Youth Leader Condemns Protest, Disowns Alleged Government Empowerment Claim

Published

21 hours ago

April 10, 2026

The Tide

The Youth President of Rumuji Community in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, Hon. Emeka S. Igwe, has condemned the recent protest to the Government House and Greenville NLNG Limited, allegedly instigated by one Anele Ogbu.

In a press statement signed by him and made available to journalists in Port Harcourt, Igwe dissociated the Rumuji community from the protest, describing it as counterproductive and not sanctioned by his office.

He also dismissed claims that the Rivers State Government is planning to empower over 100 youths in Odegu Kingdom and other communities in Emohua Local Government Area, stating that he has no knowledge of such an initiative.

Igwe warned Anele Ogbu to desist from actions capable of inciting unrest in the area, alleging that misleading information has been consistently circulated to deceive unsuspecting members of the public.

He expressed concern over what he described as a growing trend of misinformation, noting that if the purported government empowerment programme were genuine, it would have been officially communicated through appropriate government channels.

According to him, as the youth president of Rumuji, he would have been duly informed and mobilised youths from the community to participate in such a programme if it truly existed.

Igwe further questioned the credibility of the claims, arguing that an initiative of such magnitude targeting at least 100 youths per community across Emohua would not be disseminated informally by a single individual.

He reiterated that the protest did not emanate from his office and maintained that Anele Ogbu lacked the authority to mobilise youths on behalf of the Rumuji community.

The youth leader also alleged that an ongoing arson case involving Ogbu has contributed to tension and unrest in the community, further deepening divisions among residents.

He explained that the purpose of the statement was to clarify the situation, correct what he described as false narratives, and calm rising tensions in the area.

Igwe urged parents and guardians to caution their wards against being misled into participating in activities that could lead to unnecessary conflicts.

He also advised the general public to verify information from credible sources before acting on it, stressing the need for vigilance in the face of increasing misinformation.

“It is important for people to ask critical questions and avoid being drawn into actions that may have serious consequences,” he said.

The Rumuji youth president reaffirmed his commitment to promoting peace and constructive engagement within the community.

John Bibor

Nation

Haniel Jack Foundation Awards Five Rivers Indigenes Scholarship

Published

21 hours ago

April 10, 2026

The Tide

The Ibanibo Haniel Jack Foundation has awarded scholarships to five Rivers State indigenes in different tertiary institutions.

The scholarship programme was announced on Easter Sunday by Rev. Dr. Samuel Wachukwu, who is also the presiding pastor of Redeemer Baptist Church, at No. 44/46 Lumumba Street, Mile Two Diobu, in Port Harcourt.

Speaking, the chairman of the occasion, Barrister Karibi George, advised the recipients to justify the scholarship by ensuring that they put in their best and finish at the expected time.

George reminded them that opportunity comes but once and they should take advantage of the opportunity that comes their way judiciously.

“Those of you who are beneficiaries of this scholarship should also remember to help others and the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

“I advise you to justify the opportunity given to you and make the man who gave you the scholarship, yourself, and your family proud,” Barrister George said.

He explained that the scholarship spans undergraduate and postgraduate levels in various high institutions in Nigeria. He thanks Sir Jack for the gesture.

The scholarship is to promote education in our society, most especially for Rivers indigenes, and equally assist those who cannot immediately afford tuition fees.

It will interest you to know that
The scholarship was borne out of God’s blessings, and this is a way to give back to the society. Besides, two of the beneficiaries are direct employees of the chairman of the foundation, sir.
Ibanibo Haniel Jack, who is also the chief executive officer (CEO) of White House Hotel, in Port Harcourt.

Chief Prezi Diffa, while presenting the awards, commended Sir Ibanibo Haniel Jack, who has deemed it necessary to give back to society.

Chief Diffa equally advised the beneficiaries to take their academics seriously and count themselves lucky.

“The man who has given you this scholarship wants to better your lives, so please put in every effort to ensure you finish the school with flying colors,” Chief Diffa said.

The beneficiaries are Isoboye Haniel Douglas, Naomi Douglas, Charles Batubo, Ajé Sokari, and
Dakoru Owen Amachree.

Tonye Orabere